Barry Cunlife - The Scythians

8
BODIES CLOTHED
IN SKINS
Different observers see different things. This is particularly true of Herodotus
and the anonymous writer usually referred to as Pseudo-Hipprocrates,
whose text On Airs, Water, and Places was found among the medical works
of the Hippocratic school. Both were observing the Scythians in the second half of
the fifth century but their interests were very different. Herodotus was concerned to
provide a background for his great historical narrative, while Pseudo-Hippocrates
was interested in showing how environment and lifestyle impacted on the health and
well-being of steppe nomads. The first probably gathered his data from the relative
comfort of the Greek colony of Olbia while the second gives the impression of having
travelled more widely, making his observations in the open steppe. Herodotus is
interested in men’s deeds; Pseudo-Hippocrates has far more concern for the people
themselves and it is to him we must first turn for a glimpse of the Scythians.
He begins with landscape, describing the level treeless steppe well-watered by wide
rivers. But it is harsh place to live: ‘the winds from the north always blow, congealed
by snow, ice, and much water … a thick fog covers the plains during the day … so that
winter may be said to be ever-present: if they have summer it is only for a few days
and the heat is never strong’. Living in such a monotonous climate, eating the same
food, and wearing the same clothing the year long the nomads all look much alike,
not least since the men have no facial hair. ‘Nor do they make any laborious excursions,
for neither body nor mind is capable of enduring fatigue when the changes of
199